Yea im waiting for the 3870 as well. I think its going to be a really good performer because nVidia has already launched some fake benches showing the 8800GT being 30% faster. Thats a fear tactic if iv ever seen one. Plus I really want an ATI card. Iv been with nvidia for a few years now, and I feel that ATI has superior image quality, plus overall their more aesthetically pleasing. If worse comes to worse the 3870 will be just as fast as the 8800GT yet more future proof due to dx10.1 support.

Not any more. That was the case 5 years ago. Well.. ATI may look better to some, but both offer very similar image quality.